MVP! MVP! MVP!

With two of Boston's sluggers at the top of MVP race we go to the "tale of the tape" to see who is more valuable to the Red Sox.

After two consecutive walk-off hits Jacoby Ellsbury has created a lot of buzz around the league as being an AL MVP candidate. After a dismal 2010 season, that was plagued with injuries, trade rumors, and slumps, Ellsbury has been the bright spot of the Re

d Sox outfield. He has devloped into one of the best leadoff hitters in baseball and one

of the top center fielders defensively. This, and his knack for clutch hitting has propelled him into the discussion of MVP.

His main competition for the most prestigious award for baseball is teammate, Adrian Gonzales. After landing Gonzales in a trade with San Diego Padres, Red Sox Nation was hoping he would be the answer for losing Manny a couple of years back. Gonzales has exceeded expectations and leading the AL in batting average and RBI's and nearly won the Home Run Derby. Also, his defense has been outstanding at first base.

Lets go to the tape:

Offense: Gonzales leads the league with an astounding .357 batting aver

age, paired with his .418 On Base percentage. He has 18 homeruns and 90 RBI's. His hitting has been timely, and effective. Gonzales offers protection for David Oritz, the cleanup hitter, and has greatly improved Ortiz's stats as well. Ellsbury is batting .317 with as many homeruns as Gonzales. Ellsbury power has been a revelation this year in the leadoff spot. He also has 65 RBI's. Ellsbury has been equally effective on the base paths, having stole 31 bases. That is good for second in the American Lead.

Bottom Line: Gonzales Average/RBI's vs. Ellsbury Leadoff Success/Speed

Advantage: Gonzales

Defense: Both Ellsbury and Gonzales have been improvements to the suspect defense of last year. So far, Ellsbury has a perfect fielding percentage, without a single error. Ellsbury arm has improved and has five outfield assists. One Ellsburys most important skills is his range. Ellsbury has learned how to play the triangle in deep center at Fenway. He is able to cover a lot of ground with his breathtaking speed. Gonzales on the other hand has been great as well. He has committed 3 errors this season but has converte

d 836 Put Out's. His range factor is the highest on the team. He h

as also been a smart defe

nder making out's on guys trying

to go from 2cd to 3rd on plays to first. Both players have been outstanding and I wouldn't be suprised to see both get a gold glove this season.

Bottom Line: Gonzales Steady Hand at first vs. Ellsbury Range in Center

Advantage: Ellsbury

Durability: Ellsbury and Gonzales are

both atop the amount of game's played, with Gonzales having played 108, and Ellsbury 107. Both have remained of the DL which is a huge change in Ellsbury case from last season. Both have hung tough and played in the most games f

or their team.

Bottom Line: Even

Advantage: Wash

Intangibles (Clubhouse): Gonzales came into the clubhouse and has been a hit, with everyone. Gonzales always has a smile on his face and comes to the ballpark with a good attitude. David Ortiz has recognized multiple t

imes how much Gonzales has helped him with his offense. Gonzales keeps things in a light mood but always brings it on game day. He is perfect for Boston. He is a more focused version of Manny. Ellsbury who was the cause of a lot of scrutiny last year for not traveling with the team because of a bruised ribs has been quiet this year. He fits in with the ball club, and I think is success has helped him.

Bottom Line: Gonzales New Life vs. Ellsburys problem less season

Advantage: Gonzales

MVP: Gonzales

Although Ellsbury has made a late push with the two

consecutive walk off's I still believe that Gonzales is th

e MVP. The offensive stats speak for themselves. Gonzales has been a beast in the 3 spot of the Sox lineup. He is such a talented hitter, who can drive balls to all parts of the ball park. His defense has been spectacular and is loved in the clubhouse and by the fans. He is a special hitter, and we are very lucky to have him.

Patriots Free Agency Report Card

What a crazy week it has been since the lockout ended. With over a month's worth of trades and free agent signings all squeeze

d into about of week, lets all take a collective breather.

The Patriots have been big spenders since the lockout has been lifted and th

ere is a brand new team practicing in Foxborough, MA. With all the madness that has been the last week and the new faces on the New England Patriots lets give Mr. Kraft and Belicheck a report card on their new acquisitions.

Albert Haynesworth:

The Pat's first acquisition in the past week was the trade for Albert Haynesworth. Haynesworth standing at 6'6" 335 has had a troubled and successful past. His legal rap-sheet is extensive. In 2006 Haynesworth was suspended for 5 games for an on the field incident, in which he stomped on Dallas Cowboys center, Andre Gruode. Haynesworth paid over 190,000 dollars in fines. Later that year, two arrest warrants from two different counties were out for Albert for traffic violations. In 2008, Haynesworth was indicted on two traffic violations, one that was from a car crash, while he was driving at speeds well over 100 miles per hour. The other person in the crash was hospitalized with severe injuries. In 2010 Haynesworth, was reported to have failed to make payments on a loan of over 2.3 million dollars. Also, in 2010, a New York stripper, claimed a 10 million dollar law suit, stating that Haynesworth impregnated her, and offered no financial support. Finally, in 2

011 Haynesworth allegedly punched the nose of another driver, in a traffic related altercation. This paired with all of Haynesworth on the field

antics, such as lying on field, and giving up, and publicly blaming coaches, makes for a pretty unimpressive resume. Certainly not for a member of the Patriots roster. With all of this being said, I LOVE this trade. I LOVE it. The Patriots gave up a fifth round pick from their wealth of picks on a guy that is one of the most dominant pass rushing defensive tackles in the NFL. Haynesworth during his best season as a pro in 2008, had 8.5 sacks, 51 tackles, and 3 forced fumbles. He demands a double team on every play. He is disruptive in the pass and run game, and can play 3 downs. Haynesworth has the strength to take any guard one on one and the quickness to play end in a 3 man front. He is matchup nightmare. This comes down to risk vs. reward. Belicheck has done this before (ie: Corey Dillion, Randy Moss). He is the best in the league at bringing in talent, and getting them to work as a part of the team rather than being an individual. The potential of Vince Wilfork (6'2" 325) and Haynes

worth side by side on the Pats d-line is terrifying for opposing offenses. I can't wait to see how Belicheck utilizes this top flight talent. Fans can only hope that, Belicheck can work his magic with another malcontent. Because of the huge risk factor I must give this aquistion...

Final Grade: B+

Chad Ochocinco:

On the opposite side of the ball, the Patriots brought in outspoken, media crazed, speedy WR, Chad Ochocinco. This was yet another jaw-dropping move by the Patriots. Ochocinco was prolific receiver in Cincinnati breaking many of its franchise receiving records. Since Ochocinco entered the league in 2001, he has had over 1,000 yards receiving 8 times. Ochcocinco is known for his speed as an outside receiver but has lost a step in recent years. He was the primary target for Carson Palmer in the Bengals pass happy attack. The question with Chad is, will his love for the spotlight disappear in New England? Thus far, Ochocinco has been great with saying all the right things, however I know the stench of Randy Moss is still in the air here in New England. What happens when Ochocinco, only catches 4 balls in the first 4 games. Will he complain along the lines of Randy Moss in his last season with the Pats? Or will he accept his roles in the Pat's balanced aerial assault. Ochocinco brings the much needed depth at receiver for the Patriots. Now with a legitimate threat at outside receiver that Pats offense appears to be scarier than ever. Will Ochocinco put his ego aside for the chance at a Super Bowl? I don't think Ochocinco will be able to keep his mouth shut all season, and I think he has lost a step. Although, it was a good edition, I feel like between Haynesworth, and Ochocinco, only one of the gambles will pay off. That is

why I give this acquisition a...

Final Grade: C+

Matt Light/Logan Mankins:

Matt Light, the veteran left tackle protecting Brady's blindside and fellow line mate All-Pro guard Logan Mankins, were both resigned. This was great news to Pat's fan knowing that reliable starter would be back on an o-line that is seriously lacking depth. Although Light is getting up there in a

ge (33), his

experience, and locker room presence is something the Pa

triots value. Mankins on the other hand is one the leagues best. He is crucial in the Patriots run game. A forceful blocker who is consistant in the pass game. I am sure Tom Brady, was excited to see the Pats resigned both of these veteran lineman. That is why I give these O-Line aquistions an....

Final Grade: A

BenJarvus Green-Ellis:

The Patriots resigned there leading rusher from 2010 to a multi-year deal. Green-Ellis was the first back since Corey Dillion to rush for over 1,000 yard for the Patriots. Green-Ellis also scored 13 rushing touchdowns last year. Green-Ellis is a hard nosed runner who rarely is tackled for a loss. In New England's pass happy offense this tough runner provides a stable run game for the Patriots. However, I would have loved to see the patriots go after someone like Ronnie Brown, of the Miami Dolphins who was a free agent this summer. Ronnie Brown does everything Green-Ellis does but better. Brown is a hard runner with more versatility out of the backfield. If the Pat's took a chance on Brown it could have paid dividens in the rushing game. That is why I give this signing a...

Final Grade: C

Overall, I think the Patriots were aggressive and as a fan, what more can you ask for? The Patriots took two huge gambles with Haynesworth and Ochocinco. If only one of those two pan out, I think that is a win for the Patriots. In the coming weeks, I would like the Patriots to sign another pass rush DE or LB. This would bolster the weak pass rush that has been notorious in NEw England the last couple years. That being said, I can't wait to see these guys on the field together. Super Bowl XLVI here we come!!!

Unless this happens...